From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
As Nigerians and global communities continued to mourn, Chief Audu Ogbeh’s demise, Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, an industrial icon and public affairs analyst has described the deceased as a courageous and detribalized patriotic Nigerian with infectious compassion for humanity.
Mbisiogu who’s is Chairman, Blue Diamond Logistics World wide said this in his goose pimpled inspirational tribute and condolence message barely 24 hours after the announcement of the death of the deceased whom he also described as a man of indomitable courage and integrity.
According to the Ambassador in Philanthropy, ” It’s both an honor and a solemn duty to reflect personally on the extraordinary life and legacy of Chief Audu Ogbeh—a true statesman, visionary leader, a role model and a man whose name is indelibly etched into the fabric of Nigeria’s political evolution and agricultural transformation.
“The passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh marks the end of an era. A statesman, reformer, nationalist, and patriot to the core, Chief Ogbeh’s legacy stands as a beacon of what selfless, visionary leadership looks like in service to one’s nation.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh was a father to me. He was my mentor, my guide, and my inspiration. He was one of those divinely positioned by God to support and encourage the establishment of my factory in Imo State. He believed in the Nigerian dream, and he believed in Nigerians—especially those in the diaspora willing to return and invest in our beloved country.
“I still recall how he persistently encouraged me to come back home to build, to invest, and to give back. He accompanied me to the Bank of Industry to initiate discussions on financial facilities and support structures—taking my hand like a true father would. He never sought personal gain; instead, he sought national gain. Chief Ogbeh always put Nigeria first, and he encouraged everyone around him to do the same.
Mbisiogu who’s also the Chairman,Uzotex Bonded Terminal said it point blank that, “one of the most touching gestures that I will never forget was in 2014, when he left a scheduled campaign appearance in Borno State, during the heat of the elections, just to personally attend the “Igbo Person of the Year” award ceremony, where I was being honored. He not only attended—he stood tall on that stage and personally read my citation.
“Again in 2022, despite his advancing age, he flew from Abuja to Lagos to present me with the Sun Newspaper Industrialist of the Year Award. His presence was not merely ceremonial, it was deeply emotional and symbolic of his unwavering support for my journey.
He passionately observed that, “even in his final days, Chief Ogbeh remained in touch. He always asked after my challenges, offered advise, and wanted to know how he could help. That was the kind of man he was: compassionate, generous, and selfless.
“As I reflect on his passing, I feel a deep personal loss. I have lost a father figure, a mentor, and a constant pillar of support. His wisdom, encouragement, and quiet strength will be missed not only by me, but by the countless others whose lives he touched across Nigeria and beyond. My solace which should be our solace is that he touched lives and served he God in truth and spirit, awaits him is the heavenly crown” he emotionally stated
He expressed gratitude that his legacy of service, humility, and patriotism would continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerian leaders, while praying that his soul should rest in perfect peace.
